[Nottingham] Linux webcam?

[Duncan Fyfe]

On Thu, 2008-07-17 at 13:26 +0100, Martin wrote:
> Folks,
> 
> Onto the "what webcam for Linux" question again...
> 
> Anyone with any recent recommendations?
> 
> Especially for:
> 
> Linux compatible (!)
> Low cpu overhead
> 1.2 Mpixel or better and clear image & good contrast
> low light
> microphone (good enough for 'Skype' or whatever)
> cheap :-)
> 
> 
> Anyone with good success?

Depends what you mean by success.
I have two on my desk at the moment.  One is a relatively old creative
job (no microphone) which uses the cpia kernel module and works with
those applications which use the v4l version 1 API.  The other is a
Logitech QuickCam Pro 5000 (with inbuilt mic) which works with v4l
version 2 API but not the version 1 API.  

To narrow your choice check the apps you want to use and make sure your
camera works with any restrictions (eg. specific V4l API) they have.
Also note that in built mic's are really bad if there is a lot of
background noise. 

Have fun,
Duncan
> 
> (OK, so I'm completely befuddled by the excessive choice and zilch
> manufacturer's info for Linux :-( )
> 
> Are "Mac OS X" compatible automatically compatible for Linux?...
> 
> Cheers,
> Martin
>